Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann – Six part series starts on Friday 5th April at 8.30pm RTÉ 1

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann – Six part series starts on Friday 5th April at 8.30pm RTÉ 1

5 Aibreán 2019, 10:04 AM GMT

The popular Fleadh Cheoil series will return to our screens on April 5th 2019 with 6 programmes showcasing the best of Irish Traditional Music from Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2018. As Drogheda hosts the competition for the first time, John Creedon returns to the helm and is joined this year by the well known and talented musician and singer Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh from Dingle in County Kerry.

Throughout the series we will see Muireann perform in some of the street sessions getting fully immersed in what Fleadh Cheoil is all about. Meanwhile John meets with many musicians, who are friends at this stage, and enjoys soaking up everything that is unique about Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

This year we are not only focusing on the ever prevalent music on the streets but we discover there is a wealth of music throughout the town - in the galleries ,coffee shops and the local campsite. We showcase top class musicians, locally and internationally renowned, as they play amidst the thronging crowds of Drogheda. The pride of parents is apparent as children and adults participate in Scoil Éigse and the many competitions that make up Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

Visitors and residents alike are joined by colourful characters enjoying spontaneous music sessions amidst the glorious August sunshine reflecting the beauty of Drogheda town. Guests include Stockton’s Wing, The O’Connor Family, Zoe Conway, Hothouse Flowers, Emma Corbett, The Mac Gabhann Family, Bobby Gardiner and many more. An international flavour is added as we are joined by musicians from the USA and Japan. The series will close with the build up and back stage excitement of the Céilí Band Competition.